THE SCOOPNorthumberland County Area Agency on Aging

322 N. 2nd Street, Sunbury, PA 17801PH: 570-495-2395 ~ FAX: 570-495-2396

April ~ May ~ June 2017 Edition

Inside This Issue:Alzheimer’s Support Meetings.................. 2National Vlounteer Week........................... 2Older Americans Act.................................. 2Older Americans Month............................. 3Elder Abuse Awareness Day..................... 3Prescription and Drug Abuse................... 4Senior Center Activities.........................5 -9Home Safety............................................... 9Medicare/APPRISE Page......................... 10Healthy Steps............................................ 11Governor Wolf’s Plan................................11Governor’s Press Release...................... 12Dept. of Aging Facts................................ 12

AAA Office: 570-495-2395

AAA Toll Free: 1-877-622-2251

After Hours: (Crisis Line) 1-855-313-4387

Pace-Pacenet: 1-800-225-7223

North’d Co. Veteran’s Affairs: 570-988-4213

Rabbittransit: 1-800-632-9063

Social Security Admin: 1-866-593-3796

Agency Website: www.ncaging.org

PA Aging Website: aging.pa.gov

Community Phone Numbers

Administrator ~ Karen LeonovichDeputy Administrator ~ Michael Bogush

Editor ~ Carolyn Mull

If you would like this newsletter E-mailed toyou, please give your E-mail address toyour Senior Action Center or call our officeat (570) 495-2395 and ask to be put on ournewsletter E-mail list.

Dates To Remember

Easter SundayApril 16, 2017

Earth Day Celebration - April 21

Volunteer Tea at Senior CentersApril 26 at 12:30

Spring Fling Senior BallMasser’s Banquet Hall

May 3, 2017 - Doors open at 4:30

Mothers’ DayMay 14, 2017

Senior Picnic at Knoebel’sJune 7, 2017

Fathers’ DayJune 14, 2017

Page 2

Alzheimer’s Support Group Meetings

The Northumberland County Area Agency onAging in conjunction with Geisinger-Shamokin

Area Community Hospital has meetings on the sec-ond Wednesday of every month at 6:30 PM in thehospital cafeteria.The support group engages a guest speaker toprovide information on aspects of caregiving atevery meeting. The presentations provide knowl-edge, encouragement and positive strategies fordealing with caregiving duties.One does not have to be a caregiver to attend thesupport meetings; those who are interested in ob-taining information about Alzheimer’s disease arewelcome.If you have any questions regarding the supportgroup or Alzheimer’s disease, please contact theNorthumberland County Area Agency on Aging at570-495-2395. Northumberland County AreaAgency on Aging is a member of the South CentralChapter of the Alzheimer’s Association.

Meeting dates are:April 12, 2017May 10, 2017

No June Meeting

April 23 to 29 National Vol-unteer WeekNational VolunteerWeek is when wecan all take time torecognize volun-teers and celebratethe power of volun-teers in our com-munity.

Volunteers reach out beyond themselves, to en-gage in kindness and caring for others. Peoplefrom all walks of life engage in volunteerism for avariety of reasons some of which are to tackle theissues of poverty, the environment, homelessness,and most importantly, to be the voice and hands ofcompassion and hope.

Volunteers are everyday individuals who answerthe call for change. Many come together asstrangers, connect through a cause, and end upwith lasting friendships.

Volunteers come from different backgrounds andexperiences from all ages to be the roots of strongcommunities.

Older Americans Act

The Older Americans Act (OAA), enacted in 1965, supports a range of home and community-basedservices, such as meals-on-wheels and other nutrition programs, in-home services, transportation,legal services, elder abuse prevention and caregivers support. These programs help seniors stay asindependent as possible in their homes and communities. In addition, OAA services help seniorsavoid hospitalization and nursing home care and, as a result, save federal and state funds that oth-erwise would be spent on such care.

The intent of the OAA is to promote the dignity of older adults by providing services and support thatenable them to remain independent and engaged citizens within their communities. The original OAAestablished the Administration on Aging (AoA) and the aging services network that provides essentialhome and community-based supportive services. AoA is now part of the Administration for CommunityLiving (ACL) within the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). OAA funding is distributedto 56 state agencies, over 200 tribal organizations, two native Hawaiian organizations, more than600 area agencies on aging and 20,000 local service providers. While the program is open to olderindividuals, generally defined as 60 and older, it focuses on offering assistance to persons with thegreatest social or economic need, such as low-income or older adults living in rural areas. Most serv-ices do not require means testing or copayments, but donations may be requested and some newerprograms may have cost sharing on a sliding scale. Unfortunately, years of limited funding have re-stricted access to OAA services, resulting in waiting lists for many of these essential programs. Thebenefits of OAA programs are not just for older adults. They also support families by offering servicesto caregivers, and they provide jobs in the health and long-term care sectors in local communitiesaround the country.

Page 3

May is OlderAmericans Month.

The Administration onAging, part of theAdministration forCommunity Living, ispleased to announce the theme for OlderAmerican’s Month 2017. The theme, “Age Out Loud”, is intended to giveaging a new voice, one that reflects what today’solder adults have to say about aging.The 2017 theme gives us an opportunity to shine alight on many important issues and trends. Morethan ever before, older Americans are workinglonger, trying new things, and engaging in theircommunities.They’re taking charge, striving for wellness,focusing on independence, and advocating forthemselves and others. They expect to continue tolive their lives to the fullest, and they’re insisting onchanges that make that possible. What agingmeans has changed, and Older American Month isthe perfect opportunity to recognize and celebratewhat getting older looks like today.

June 15, 2017 is World Elder Abuse AwarenessDay. It’s not a celebratory day, but rather a day to

talk about preventing, identifying, and responding toelder abuse and financial exploitation. Whether youare an older adult, care for one, or simply knowsomeone who is a senior, you can do something toprevent elder financial abuse. Here are some tips andtools to help you play a part:The Federal Trade Commission’s “Pass it On” cam-paign will help you talk to friends, family, and lovedones about avoiding common scams. You may knowabout scams like identity theft, imposters, and charityfraud, but chances are, you know someone whodoesn’t. There are many ways to use “Pass it On” toshare what you know, like writing an article, giving apresentation, or distributing materials in your commu-nity.If you are a financial caregiver for an older personwho is unable to handle their finances, or work withaging clients, then the Consumer Financial ProtectionBureau has tools for you. Serving as a financial care-giver is a great responsibility, and you may be thrustinto the role with little time to plan ahead. The “Man-aging Someone Else’s Money” guides for agentsunder powers of attorney, court-appointed guardians,trustees and government fiduciaries

Continued:(such as Social Security representative payees,) canhelp you better understand your duties and responsi-bilities in this new role.Does reading this make you think about an older per-son you know? Call or visit and ask how they’re doing.If there’s a caregiver, consider filling in for a few hours.And check out common signs of financial exploitation,and know how to spot potential problems.

To spot financial abuse, look for sudden changes inthe older person’s financial situation, such as:

- Suspicious changes in wills or powers of attorney.Out of the blue, your grandfather wills all of his be-longings to his new nurse.

- Financial activity the person couldn’t have done her-self. You discover repeated ATM withdrawals fromyour bedridden mother’s bank account.

- Bills not being paid. When visiting a neighbor, yousee mail piling up on his desk. Maybe his caregiver isusing his money for something other than paying bills.

- Large withdrawals or unusual purchases. You noticecharges for fancy electronics on your thrifty aunt’scredit card bill.

If you see these signs and you’re worried that some-one’s misusing a loved one’s personal information,IdentityTheft.gov explains what steps to take. Often, older adults are in the best position to recog-nize and prevent elder abuse and scams. That’s whythe FTC’s “Pass It On” gives older adults tools to startconversations about scams and pass on their knowl-edge. If you think you see elder abuse, report it. Ifsomeone’s in immediate danger, call 911. Otherwise,contact adult protective services at North’d CountyArea Agency on Aging toll-free at 1-800-490-8505. Working together, we can each do our part on WorldElder Abuse Awareness Day.

Elder Abuse Awareness Day

Our society must make itright and possible for oldpeople not to fear theyoung or be deserted bythem, for the test of acivilization is the way thatit cares for its helplessmembers. Pearl S. Buck

Page 4

Intentional AbuseIntentional abuse occurs when a person know-ingly uses prescription medications the wrongway, takes medicines not prescribed for them, orcombines them with alcohol or illicit drugs.Peo-ple may do this to feel good, to feel better, or tocalm down. Sometimes a big change, such asretirement, the death of a loved one, or failinghealth, can lead to loneliness, boredom, anxiety,or depression. That can prompt a person tobegin, continue, or increase the abuse of med-ications or other drugs. A person may think thattaking the medicine is safe, no matter what, be-cause a doctor prescribed it. But taking too muchof a medication, or taking it in ways other thanhow the doctor ordered, is not safe.

Risks for Older AdultsOlder adults may suffer serious consequencesfrom even moderate drug abuse because of sev-eral risk factors. As the body ages, it cannot ab-sorb and break down medications and drugs aseasily as it used to. As a result, even when anolder adult takes a medication properly, it mayremain in the body longer than it would in ayounger person. As people age, they may alsobecome more sensitive to alcohol’s effects.Aging brains are also different than young onesand may be at greater risk for harmful drug ef-fects (on memory or coordination, for example).Having other medical conditions (such as heartdisease) and taking medications to treat themwhile abusing prescription drugs at the sametime also present unique risks for older adults.

Taking a prescrip-tion medication

as directed by a doc-tor is generally safeand effective and iswhat usually hap-pens. But lately therehas been a rise in thenumber of olderadults who are using

their medicines improperly, including for non-medical reasons, and suffering the conse-quences. Recent reports show increasedhospitalizations and visits to emergency roomsby older people involving improper use of pre-scription and illicit drugs.

Painkillers, Depressants, and StimulantsThe types of prescription medications most com-monly abused by people of any age arepainkillers (such as Vicodin, OxyContin), depres-sants (such as Xanax, Valium), and stimulants(such as Adderall). Hospital admissions for olderadults were mostly linked to overdoses from painmedication and withdrawal symptoms from otheraddictive drugs such as sleeping pills.

Problems Taking MedicationsMany older adults take medications that play animportant role in treating various health condi-tions like pain and heart disease. Most take theirmedications properly, but some older adults haveproblems taking them the way they should. Thisincludes unintentionally taking a medication thewrong way, as well as intentional abuse.

Unintentional AbuseSome people accidentally take medicines incor-rectly, often without knowing it or without intend-ing to. They may forget to take their medicine,take it too often, or take the wrong amount. Aspeople get older, trouble with vision or memorycan make it hard to use medications correctly.Taking lots of medications at different times ofthe day can be confusing. Another commonproblem is having more than one doctor who pre-scribes medicines, but no single doctor whomonitors them and checks for any interactions.

Prescription and Drug Abuse

Spring Fling Senior DanceKentucky Derby Theme

May 3, 2017Doors open at 4:30

Come out for a night of dining, dancingand lots of fun!

Sign up at your senior center.Cost is $15

Page 5SENIOR ACTION CENTER ACTIVITIESAll Center Hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Elysburg Senior Action Center 570-672-2438

Elysburg Center is open Mon - Wed - Fri

Mon: Exercise, 8:30. Pokeno, 11:30-2:00.Wed: Exercise, 8:30. Bingo, 11:30-2:00.Fri: Crafts, 9:00. Cards, 12:00.

April:6 Vo-tech luncheon at Herndon SAC.7 Members’ meeting, 12:00, followed by cards.12 Hoagies, 10:3018 Trip to Red Lobster, 11:00-1:00.19 Easter Program with Daycare, 10:30. VNA bloodpressure, 11:0021 Earth Day program, 10:00 - 11:00.26 Volunteer recognition, 10:30. Birthday party,11:30.May:3 Cinco de Mayo celebration, 10:30. Spring Flingat Masser’s. Please sign up. Cost is $15.5 Members’ meeting, 12:00 followed by cards10 Covered dish, 11:00.12 Crafts, project for Daycare.17 Family Medical BP screening, 11:00. Mother’sDay party, 11:30.24 VNA BP/BS screening, 11:0029 Closed for Memorial Day.31 Birthday celebration, 11:30.June:2 Members’ meeting, 12:00 followed by cards.7 Knoebels picnic. Sign up ahead.14 Closed for Flag Day.16 Crafts, project for Daycare19 Pizza party, 11:30.21 Fathers’ Day program, 11:00. Covered dish,11:30. Wear red, white & blue.28 Hoagies, birthday party, 11:00.

Mon/Wed. Exercise, 10:45, Bingo,12:30, cards after.Thurs. Bible study, 9:30 to 11:30.April:3 Card party, 6:00.4 Crafts with Dianne, 11:00.5 Commodity delivery, 10:00. Members meeting,1:30.6 Luncheon, $6, 11:30, bingo, 12:30. Trip “Steaminto History” leaving at 6:30 AM, returning 6:00 PM.7 Country Cupboard, 11:30 to 1:00.11 Kitchen Band visit to Emmanuel Home, 2:00, 13 Dying Easter eggs for Lion’s Club egg hunt, 9:00.14 Center Closed GOOD FRIDAY.15 Cash Bingo 6:00 PM. Doors open at 5:00. 18 Members breakfast, 9:00. 20 Birthday party, 1:00, Officers meeting following.21 EARTH DAY. Pre-school will visit. many otherevents taking place. Please join us.25 Movie/treats, 12:00. Walmart, 10:00 to 1:00.26 Volunteer Tea, 1:30. Sun Home BP, 2:00.27 Card party, 1:00.28 Anniversary banquet, Hickory Corners, 12:00. May: 1 Card party 6:00pm3 Commodity food delivery, 10:00. Members meet-ing, 1:30. Spring Fling at Masser’s, 4:30.4 Trip, Rainbow Dinner Theatre, 9:00AM-6:30PM.9 Kitchen Band visit to Polk Assistant Living, 2:00.11 Luncheon, 11:30. Cost, $7.00. Entertainment. 16 Members breakfast, 9:00.17 VNA Blood pressures, 9:30 to 10:30.18 Birthday party, 1:00. Officers meeting. 20 Cash bingo, 6:00 PM. Doors open at 5:00.25 Card party, 1:00.29 Center closed for Memorial Day.31 Sun Home Health Blood Pressure.June:5 Members meeting, 1:30. Card party, 6:00 PM.7 Knoebels Senior Picnic, VNA Health Fair.9 Movie/treats, 12:00.12 SCH Blood Pressures, 9:30 to 11:00.13 Kitchen Band at Green Valley Nursing Home.14 Center closed! Trip to Dutch Apple Theatre.15 Birthday party, 1:00, Officers meeting. 16-17 Herndon Center Yard Sale, 8:00 to 3:30.17 Cash Bingo, 6:00 PM.19 Sunbury City Band, 7:00pm20 Members Breakfast 9:00am22 Card party, 1:0028 Sun Home Health Blood Pressures, 2:00

Herndon Senior Action Center570-758-1570

Senior Picnic atKnoebel’s Grove.June 7, 2017.

Doughnuts and bev-erages, 9:00.

Meal served at 4:00.

VNA Health Fair! Lots of fun throughout the day withbingo and prizes! See your centermanager for details and to sign up.

Kulpmont Senior Action Center570-373-1112

Every Monday 5:30-6:30 PM, God’s Chuck Wagonsoup kitchen is in the municipal parking lot behindthe old Kulpmont SAC. Every Wed 4:40-6:00, HolyAngels Church serves a meal in the former AnnJoachim House.

Mon Pokeno 12:30.Tues. Pinochle 12:00. Rummy 12:30.2nd Tues. Commodity food pickup, call to make sureboxes arrived3rd Tues. Bible Study with Dr. Romanic, 12:30.Wed. LCR, 12:30.1st Thurs. Member’s meeting, 12:30. Every Thurs.Bingo, 12:30.Fri Nickel bingo, 12:30.

April:3 VNA doing BP/BS screenings, 10:00-11:00.

Guest speaker 11:00 on “Oral Cancer”.6 Vo-tech luncheon at Herndon. Chicken & broccolicasserole. 10 CSSS will be doing vision screenings, 12:00.11 Commodity food pickup.13 Lunch at Independence Fire Co. 14 Closed21 Earth Day activities and dirty bingo, 12:30.26 Volunteer Tea, 12:30, refreshments will beserved.

May:1 Guest speaker from VNA 11:00 on Osteoporosis.3 Spring Fling. Theme is Kentucky Derby.9 FHM doing free BP/BS screenings, 9:30-10:00.Commodity food pickup.11 Herndon SAC vo-tech Demo Shrimp Scampiw/pasta, salad; cream puffs will be served $7.0018 Donate baby items to Birthright.19 Lunch at Red Lobster25 Memorial Day picnic, $5.00. 29 Closed

Farmer Market vouchers will be available June 1st;they will be given out Monday, Tuesday, Thursdayand Fridays NO EXCEPTIONS

June:7 AAA picnic at Knoebels. 12 BP/BS screenings 10:00-11:00. Speaker, 11:00on “‘Summer Safety”.13 Commodity food pickup14 CLOSED15 Pizza and salad for lunch, $5.0021 Lunch at Country Cupboard27 Dirty Bingo, 12:30.

Page 6Milton Senior Action Center

570-742-9435Mon: Pinochle, 12:30. Wed: Dime bingo, 12:30. Thur: Pinochle & Bible study, 12:30.Fri: Dime bingo, 9:30.April:3 Members meeting, 11:00. 5 Kramm’s Health Care with entertainment, 9:30.11 Crafts, 9:30. 12 Vo-tech Lunch at Herndon, $6. B/P check,11:45. 13 Easter party, 10:00. 14 Closed (Good Friday)19 Evan Hospital to speak on “Stress”,10:00. Birth-day party,12:00. 20 Fun Bingo 10:00 21 Earth Day25 Popcorn & Movie 9:30 26 Speaker, James White on “Oral Cancer”, 10:30.Volunteer Tea, 11:30.May:1 Members meeting, 11:00.3 Blood pressure, 11:45. 10 Stroke screening, 10:00. 11 Vo-tech cooking demo at Herndon, $7. 16 Crafts, 9:30.17 Birthday party, 12:00.24 Speaker, James White, “Osteoporosis”10:30. 25 Fun bingo, 10:00.26 Older Americans picnic, 11:30.29 Closed (Memorial Day).30 Popcorn & movie, 9:30.June:5 Members meeting,11:00.7 Knoebels picnic.13 Crafts, 9:30.14 Closed, Flag Day.21 Birthday party, 12:00 pm22 Fun bingo, 10:00.27 Popcorn & movie, 9:30.

APPRISE Insurance Counseling Program isScheduling Appointments at the Milton SACDo you have questions about Medicare or supple-mental insurance? An APPRISE Counselor can:* Review your current coverage.* Discuss insurance options, whether you are newto Medicare or looking to change plans during openenrollment.* Apply for government assistance programs.* Offer assistance with filing appeals.For more information, or to set up an appointment,contact the North’d County Agency on Aging; AP-PRISE Program at 570-495-2371! We will behappy to schedule an appointment to meet withyou one on one!

Mon: Crafts, cards, Wii, bingo 12:15.Tues: Cards, Wii, chair exercise 9:30, penny poker12:15.Wed: Cards, Wii, Bible study 9:30, bingo 12:15.Thur: Cards, Wii 9:00, penny poker 12:15.Fri: Cards, Wii, nickel bingo 12:15.Activities are subject to change. Please call the cen-ter to check.April:3 Members meeting 10:00.4 Making Peanut Butter & Coconut Eggs to sell.6 Culinary lunch at Herndon, chicken broccoli

casserole with rice pilaf, must sign up by Mar. 30.13 Easter meal, ham, sweet potatoes, hot lettuce &dessert. Wii with Sunbury SAC at 9:00. 14 Closed for Good Friday.17 Speaker, Jim White, “Oral Cancer Awareness”10:00.20 Cash bingo. Doors open to public at 4:00. 20games for $20. Games at 5:00. Food available.21 Earth Day. Jon Beam from Montour Recreationwill present a program on Sugar Maple. Free lunchfor those who participate.25 Make a hat for the Kentucky Derby.26 Volunteer Day, catered meal27 Card Party 12:00, Wii at Sunbury SAC, 9:00.May:1 Members meeting 10:00.2 Set up for rummage sale. We need help.3 Spring Fling at Masser’s. Theme is KentuckyDerby. Cost, $15.00. Sign up at center9 Final set up for rummage sale. Please help.11 Culinary meal at Herndon. Sign up by May 4.12-13 Rummage sale 9:00-3:00.15 Mother’s Day lunch,11:30.17 B/P check by SCH.18 Wii at Sunbury SAC, 9:00. Cash bingo. Doorsopen to public at 4:00. 20 games for $20. Games at5:00. Food available. 22 Speaker at 10:00 “Osteoporosis Awareness”.25 Card party, 12:00. Wii here with Sunbury, 9:00.29 Closed for Memorial Day.June:5 Members meeting 10:00.7 AAA picnic at Knoebles.14 Closed for Flag Day.15 Wii at our SAC with Sunbury at 9:00. Cash bingoat 5:00. Doors open to public at 4:00. 20 games for$20. Food available.16 Indoor picnic. Hot dogs supplied by center.Please bring a covered dish.19 Speaker, Jim White, 10:00 “Aphasia/Alzheimer’sBrain Awareness”. Father’s Day lunch 11:30.22 Wii game at Sunbury SAC 9:00.29 Card party.

Page 7Mt. Carmel Senior Action Center

570-339-4457Mon: Board games 9:30. Exercise 10:30. Pokeno,1:00.Tues: Coupon club 10:00, Wii games 10:30, Unlucky7’s 12:30.Wed: Board games 9:30 am, exercise 10:30am,nickel bingo 1pmThur: Wii games 10:00 am, movie at 12:30.Fri: News, 9:00, Exercise 10:30, Pokeno, 1:00.April:5 Members meeting, 1:00, followed by a birthdayparty. 6 Vo-tech luncheon at Herndon SAC, $6.00.11 Commodity food box pick up, 12:30-3:30.12 VNA speaking at 12:15.13 Pot luck lunch, 11:30. 14 Closed- Good Friday.17 BP check by FHM, 10:30-11:30. 21 Earth Day Celebration all day, breakfast, Winniethe Pooh kids, Fun!26 Volunteer recognition tea.27 Pokeno, 12:30.28 Closed for Church yard sale.May:3 Members meeting, 1:00, followed by a birthdayparty9 Commodity food box pick up, 12:30-3:30.10 BP & BS Check by VNA, 10:30-11:30. 11 Vo-tech demo at Herndon SAC, Cost $7.00.16 Closed, Primary Election.18 Mother’s/Father’s Day luncheon, 11:30.22 BP check by FHM, 10:30-11:30. 29 Closed for Memorial Day.31 Members meeting, 1:00, followed by a birthdayparty.June: 7 Knoebel’s picnic. 13 Commodity food box pick up, 12:30-3:30.14 Closed, Flag Day!!!!15 Fundraiser lunch, $6.00. Nickel bingo. 19 BP Check by VNA 10:30. 21-22-23 Center Closed for church festival. 28 VNA speaking at 12:15.

North’d Senior Action Center 570-473-9373

See your center managerto pay 2017 dues!

Page 8Sunbury Senior Action Center

570-286-1820Mon: Shuffleboard, 1:00.Tue:Shuffleboard, 9:00, bingo, 12:30, cards, 31 2:00.Wed:Wii, 10:00, penny poker 12:30.Thur: Bible study, 10:15, bingo 12:30, cards 31 2:00.Fri: Bingo, 12:30, cards 31, 2:00.April:4 Members meeting, 12:305 Adult coloring contest, 10:00, pizza, 11:30. $3.6 Trip to Mohegan Sun. Herndon SAC Vo-Techluncheon, $611 Hoagie, chips, dessert $3.50 11:3012Announcing winner of coloring contest, 10:00. B/Pcheck, 9:30-11:00. Grilled cheese/tomato soup, $3 14 CLOSED20 Speaker Jim White on oral cancer, 12:00.21 Earth Day. Planting flowers in the flower bed.Beck Elementary 2nd grade class will be here mak-ing crafts and snacks at 1:00. Please plan to attend!24 Accepting rummage for our sale!25 Tour meeting 10:00.26 Officers meeting, 10:00. Volunteer recognition,1:00. May:2 Members meeting, 12:30.3-5 Rummage sale, 9:00-3:00. 4 Spring Fling, Theme: Kentucky Derby, tickets $15.8 Birthday party 12:30. Karaoke with Roger.10 VNA Blood pressure 9:30-10:30.11 Trip to Penns Peak. Herndon SAC for Vo-TechDemo.15 Pinochle, 12:30.18 VNA speaker, Jim White, on osteoporosis, 12:00.19 Anniversary banquet, 11:30. $12 for meal. Enter-tainment by Billie D and Rosie.23 Lucky penny bingo buy a card at regular price andbuy the 2nd for a penny.26 Covered dish, 11:30. Chicken and dessert pro-vided, sign up a week ahead. Bring a dish or donate$5. White elephant auction after. Bring a newwrapped gift for this fundraiser!29 CLOSED.30 Tour meeting, 10:00. 31 Officers meeting, 10:00.June:5 Chef salad and sherbert, $4. 11:30.6 Members meeting, 12:30.7 AAA Picnic at Knoebels.8 Trip to Silver Birches.14 CLOSED.15 B/P, 9:30-11:00. VNA speaker, 12:00 on aphasiaand Alzheimer’s16 Blueberry pancakes, sausage, 11:30. $3.22 Hoagie, chips , dessert, $3.50. 11:30.27 Tour Meeting 10:00.28 Officers meeting, 10:00.29 Trip to Mohegan sun

Shamokin Senior Action Center 570-644-0772

Mon: Poker game 8:30. Unlucky 7’s 12:00.Tues: Pinochle 8:30. Walk a Mile 9:00. Bridge les-sons 9:30. Bridge 12:00. Aquacize 12:00.Wed: Pinochle 8:30. Wii bowling 10:00. Pinochle &Pokeno 12:30.Thur: Pinochle 8:30. Walk a Mile 9:00. Wii bowl10:00. Nickel Bingo 12:30.Fri: Pinochle, shuffleboard 8:30. Wii 10:00. NickleBingo 12:00.Sat: Pinochle at 7:00. Doors open 6:00.

April:4 Shopping at Susquehanna Mall. 10:00-1:00.

$2.005 CSFP pick up. 1:00-3:00.6 Exec. Board meeting, 9:30. Members meeting,10:30. Speaker on “Stress Awareness”, 12:00.13 Family Medical will check B/P, 10:30-11:00.Easter party, Ham sandwiches, Colored eggs &chips. 20 Natalie Tamkus from Family Medical will speakat 12:00 on “Low Sodium Foods.”21 Earth Day. A video “Environmental & Climate Lit-eracy will be shown. Bring something crafted fromrecycled items to display. Refreshments served. Ac-tivities start at 10:00. Sign up to attend.26 Volunteer Tea, 11:30. A special THANK YOU toour faithful volunteers. Sign up to attend.

May:2 Shopping at Susquehanna Valley Mall. 10:00-1:00. 3 CSFP pick up. 1:00-3:00. Spring Fling tonight atMasser’s Banquet Hall. 4 Wendy Rishel, Life Geisinger will speak at 12:00on “Personal Hygiene.”9 Lunch at Red Lobster. 11:30-1:00. Cost $2.00.11 VNA will check B/P & B/S, 10:00-11:00.17 Natalie Tamkus from Family Medical will speakat 12:00 on “Fall Safety.”25 Memorial Day picnic at 11:00. Menu will be an-nounced.31 Exec. Board meeting, 9:30. Members meeting,10:00.

June:6 Shopping Susquehanna Valley Mall. 10:00-1:00.Cost $2.00. 7 AAA Picnic at Knoebels. Free transportation.8 Family Medical will check B/P, 10:30-11:00.

Wendy Rishel, will speak at 12:00 on “Beat theHeat.”13 Lunch at Jay’s Tiffany 11:30-1:00. Cost, $2.00.22 Natalie Tamkus will speak at 12:00 on “WarningSigns of Dehydration.”

Page 9Trevorton Senior Action Center

570-797-1996 Due to the growing popularity of in-home care forseniors, it’s important to make sure you and

your loved ones areaware of the potentialdangers present in thehome for seniors livingalone. You can helpprevent falls andaccidents by makingchanges to unsafe areasin the home with thesetips:GENERAL HOME SAFETY

Consider a medical alert or a buddy•system.Keep a fire extinguisher and smoke•detector on every floor.Never smoke when alone or in bed.•Always get up slowly after sitting or lying•down. Make sure you have your balance.Wear proper fitting shoes with low heels.•Use a correctly measured walking aid.•Remove or tack down all scatter rugs.•Remove cords from traffic areas.•Avoid using slippery wax on floors.•Wipe up spills promptly.•Avoid standing on ladders or chairs.•Have sturdy rails for all stairs.•Make sure that all stairs have good lighting•with switches at top and bottom.Have a non-slip surface on all stairs.•

BATHROOM SAFETYLeave a light on in your bathroom at night.•Have bath aids securely installed in the•bath/shower stall and the sides of thetoilet.Skid-proof the tub and make sure the bath•mat has a non-slip bottom.To avoid scalds, turn water heater to 120°•Fahrenheit or below.Mark cold and hot faucets clearly.•Use door locks that can be opened from•both sides.If possible, bathe only when help is•available.

KITCHEN SAFETYKeep floors clean and uncluttered.•Illuminate work areas.•Mark “on” and “off” positions on•appliances.Store sharp knives in a rack.•Use a kettle with an automatic shut-off.•Store heavier objects at waist level.•Avoid wearing long, loose clothing when•cooking over the stove.Be sure to check expiration dates on food.•

April:1 Trip to Christian Life Church, “One Voice”.5 Center meal Meatloaf and Scalloped Potatoes.6 Luncheon at Herndon. Sign up by March 31,$6.00.7 Members meeting, 10:30 followed by lunch andbingo.11 Crafts, 10:00. Shopping at Weis Market, 12:30.13 Shopping at Columbia Mall.14 Closed for Good Friday.17 Patsies meeting at 1:00.18 Lunch at The Indies, 11:30.20 BP Screening, 10:00-11:00. Soup sale, ItalianWedding / Split Pea. Birthday party, 1:00.21 Earth Day activities, 10:00-2:00. Blood SugarScreening 10:00- 11:00.24 Members breakfast, 9:00. Serving S.O.S. Cardparty, 1:00.25 Crafts, 10:00. Shopping at Wal-Mart, 12:30.26 Volunteer Tea, 12:30.27 Center meal, hot beef sandwich/vegetable anddessert.

May:3 Spring Fling at Masser’s. Doors open at 4:30.4 Members meeting, 12:30 followed by cards orbingo.9 Shopping at Weis Market 12:30 pm10 Mother’s Day celebration at 12:30.11 Culinary demo, Shrimp Scampi w/pasta at Hern-don.$7.00. Sign up by May 4.12 VNA presentation, 10:30.15 Patsies meeting, 1:00.18 Members birthday party, 1:00.22 Members breakfast, 9:00, pancakes/sausage.Card Party, 1:00.23 Shopping ,Wal-Mart, 12:30.26 SCH Blood Pressure Screening, 9:00-10:30.29 Closed.30 Crafts, 10:00.

June: 1 Members meeting, 12:30 followed by cards orbingo.4 to 8 Trip to Wildwood, New Jersey.7 AAA Picnic at Knoebels. 9 VNA Blood Sugar Screening, 10:00-11:00.13 Crafts, 10:00. Shopping at Weis Market, 12:30.14 Closed for Flag Day.15 Members birthday party, 1:00.19 Patsies meeting, 1:00.22 Blood Pressure Screening, 10:00-11:00.26 Members breakfast, 9:00. Card Party, 1:00.27 Crafts, 10:00. Shopping at Wal-Mart, 12:30.

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Join the APPRISE Volunteer Team

Are you . Looking for a Challenge Interested in Helping Others Patient & Kind

You can become an APPRISE Health Insurance

Counselor. You can make a difference in the life of others by assisting them with their health insurance

issues.

APPRISE Volunteers help beneficiaries understand their Medicare and supplemental insurance benefits,

compare Medicare Prescription Drug Plans and provide assistance with applications for government assistance

programs.

dicare and share that knowledge to help your family, friends, neighbors and fellow older Pennsylvanians, contact the County Area Agency on Aging 570-495-2395 or 570-

495-2371 for more information on becoming an APPRISE volunteer.

Make a Difference in Your Community

Free Workshop for People Joining Medicare

People who are new to Medicare are invited to attend a “Get Ready for Medicare: The Basics for People WhoAre Joining”, a free community workshop.

The upcoming dates are as follows: April 21st, May 17th and June 7th from 10:00-12:00 in the NorthumberlandCounty Human Services Building B, 322 N. 2nd Street, Sunbury, PA. The event is sponsored by APPRISE, aprogram of the Pennsylvania Department of Aging.

This workshop is specifically designed to assist people who will be enrolling in Medicare, either because theywill turn 65 years old or because they receive Social Security disability benefits. The workshop is also appro-priate for spouses and caregivers.

To register, please call 570-495-2384. The Northumberland County Agency on Aging is a local affiliate of AP-PRISE, a program of the Pennsylvania Department of Aging, the designated State Health Insurance Program(SHIP) in Pennsylvania. SHIPs receive grant funding from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Servicesto provide direct, local assistance to Medicare beneficiaries through one-on-one, counseling sessions (bothin-person and over the phone), presentations, and public education programs.

APPRISE is a free health insurance counseling program designed to help Pennsylvanians with Medicare. Formore information, visit North’d County Agency on Aging website at: www.ncaging.org.

DO YOU HAVE MEDICAREAre you eligible to save money?

The APPRISE Program wants to make sure youknow about the Extra Help and Medicare SavingsPrograms. Extra Help can help lower your prescrip-tion co-payments and premiums and cover the costof the coverage gap (“donut hole”).

If you are single and have a total monthly Incomeof less than $1471/month; And less than $13,640in resources.If you are married and have a total monthly incomeof less than $1991/month; and less than $27,250 inresources. Medicare Savings Program can helpyou with the payment of your Part B premium andpossibly with the payment of your Medicare Part Aand Part B cost-sharing.

If you are single and have a total monthlyincome of less than $1324/month; and less than$7280 in resources. If you are married and have a total monthly incomeof less than $1792/month; and less than $10,930 inresources. There is NO COST for the APPRISEProgram’s help for enrollment into these programs.

For an appointment with an APPRISE Counselor,Call: Northumberland County Area Agency onAging at: 570-495-2395

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Healthy Steps for Older Adults Healthy Steps for Older Adults was developed by theFall Prevention Initiative of the Pennsylvania Depart-ment of Aging, and is an evidence-based falls pre-vention program for adults ages 50 and over. Theprogram is designed to raise participants’ knowledgeand awareness, introduce steps they can take to re-duce falls and improve their health and well-being,and provide referrals and resources. Healthy Stepsfor Older Adults is a unique, comprehensive, commu-nity-based falls prevention program.

General DescriptionHealthy Steps for Older Adults addresses many com-mon causes of falls:

Environmental safety •Balance, strength, flexibility, and endurance •Nutrition •Foot health •Sensory deficits (vision/hearing) •Side effects of medication •Health/disease status, including substance abuse •The need to maintain an active lifestyle •Social connectedness •Mental and spiritual well-being •

Program Goal The goal of the Healthy Steps for Older Adults pro-gram is to prevent falls, promote health and ensurethat older adults can remain as independent as pos-sible for as long as possible. Healthy Steps for OlderAdults provides a participant guide based on re-search and best practices in health communication,health literacy, and adult learning. Healthy Steps for Older Adults is designed to:

Be fun, sociable, and validating. •Raise awareness of the causes of falls. •Learn how falls can be prevented. •Provide opportunities and ideas for physical ac-•tivities. Identify and problem-solve barriers to change. •Provide home activities that reinforce what is•learned. Include frequent breaks and activity changes. •

Gov. Wolf Announces Plan to Create Dept. of Health and Human Services*

Harrisburg, PA – Governor Wolf announcedhis plan to create a Department of Health andHuman Services (HHS) in his 2017-2018budget in order to promote more effectivecollaboration and service delivery, enhanceprogram effectiveness, and eliminate du-plicative processes.

“This new department will streamline govern-ment and allow the commonwealth to delivermore effective services to seniors, individualswith intellectual and physical disabilities, andthose suffering from a substance use disor-der as well as promote the health and well-being of all Pennsylvanians,” said GovernorTom Wolf. “Over the past several months, Ihave worked closely with these four depart-ments to break down silos and reimaginehow we deliver critical services that will pro-vide treatment to those suffering from sub-stance use disorder, ensure children arereceiving high quality services, and expandcommunity-based opportunities for seniors.The creation of a new, unified Department ofHealth and Human Services will not result inany program cuts for Pennsylvanians, but willdramatically improve our ability to deliverservices that will improve lives. “

The Departments of Aging (PDA), Drug andAlcohol Programs (DDAP), Health (DOH),and Human Services (DHS) have the samecore mission: to improve public health andquality of life for all residents of the common-wealth. These four separate state agenciescurrently serve similar, and sometimes over-lapping, populations.

*This new Department of Health and HumanServices will include the Departments ofAging (PDA), Drug and Alcohol Programs(DDAP), Health (DOH), and Human Services(DHS).

January 30, 2017(See full article on www.governor.pa.gov)

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On Tuesday, February 7, Governor Wolf released his proposed budget for FY 17-18. As part of his proposedbudget, the Governor discussed the creation of a new health and human services agency by consolidating fourexisting state departments. Under the Governor’s proposal, the current responsibilities of Pennsylvania’s De-partment of Health, Department of Human Services, Department of Aging, and Department of Drug and Alco-hol Programs would be combined to form the Pennsylvania Department of Health and Human Services.

The Pennsylvania Association of Area Agencies on Aging (P4A) represents the 52 Area Agencies on Aging(AAA) across the state. AAAs work to advance the right of all seniors to live happily and healthily in theirhomes and communities with the support of effective services that allow dignity and choices. As we move for-ward, P4A and its members will fully analyze the impact the new agency could have on seniors in the Com-monwealth. We do, however, support efforts to improve coordination and communication that improves andstreamlines the delivery of services provided to seniors. P4A will closely evaluate the proposal in the comingdays through the following lens:

The Lottery Fund was created as a funding mechanism to support older Pennsylvanians continued liv-•ing in their communities. The Lottery Fund must continue to be preserved through any changes, andadministered separately from other funding streams. Additionally, the Lottery Fund must not be appro-priated to make up for the state’s lack of funding in other areas.Pennsylvania’s seniors needs are unique from the needs of others receiving services, and this reality•must not get lost through any type of governmental transitions or changes.Local flexibility is necessary to meet the diverse needs of our seniors living in our varied communities•and must continue.

We look forward to actively participating in the discussion regarding the proposed change.

P4A’s Mission is to promote the continued physical, social, and economic self-sufficiency of Pennsylvania’sseniors, pursue elders’ right to choice and dignity in daily living, and strive to furnish its Members with the es-sential informational/ educational resources to deliver quality service toward this end.Rebecca May-ColeRebecca@p4a.org

Facts about the current Department of Aging:

The Pennsylvania Department of Aging (PDA) was created by law in 1978 “to establish a cabinet-level1State agency whose jurisdiction, powers and duties specifically concern and are directed to advancingthe well-being of Pennsylvania’s older citizens.”

Prior to the formation of Pennsylvania Department of Aging (PDA), services to older adults were a pro-2gram in the Department of Public Welfare (DPW), currently known as the Department of Human Serv-ices (DHS).

The Pennsylvania Department of Aging (PDA) provides a cabinet-level Secretary to represent the in-3terest of older adults to all of State government. PDA is responsible for services to older adults.

The Pennsylvania Lottery funds are designated for services to older adults. This includes home and4community-based services (Meals-on-Wheels, Senior Centers, bathing assistance, etc.), the PropertyTax/Rent Rebate Program, shared ride transportation, and the Pharmaceutical Assistance Contract forthe Elderly (PACE) program.

The Pennsylvania Department of Aging (PDA) provides oversight, reviews, and/or comments on the5provisions and plans for these lottery-funded programs.